Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

..and the answer is....

well been licensed since 1997 and have no reason to want or pay for a piece of paper.....massage is not rocket science! I would match my massage skills to any nationally certified colleague.

I was hoping that the new MTBOK committee would develop a real standard of what it takes to do massage. The point of a BOK is to set a cohesive set of interrelated standards of what to takes so that we can develop cost effective training. The standard need to be correlated with actual performance in the field. It is like a check list where one ... Read Moreneed to achieve all of the skills to the designates level of performance. Unfortunately the first draft is just a shopping list of potential skills with not standards set and including things that are not essential to doing massage. I have set up a discussion with people of all different perspectives at http://www.massageprofessionals.com/group/bodyofknowledge

Yep-that's why I am still in practice after 30 years!!! What a blessing to be able to do what I love and to still have the ability to help others yet be as passionate as I was when I started my career. Some are stuck in cubicles, hating their jobs- but I can honestly say- I love my job! My boss is pain in the piroformis though. LOLL

Doing a 3rd trimester pregnancy massage, not worried, just anything I should consider beside, the ankles, calves, not alot of abdominal pressure......I've done quite a few, but, for some reason the other gal who doesn't do pre-natal is like all stressed about it.

Sandy don't forget to stay away from the shoulder points and hand reflex that can cause labor to start.... Sounds like you really enjoy your work - congratulations! I love it too!

seated massage has shown to be a most effective way to introduce bodywork to male clients that have shown up in my experience... & the most recent continuing ed workshop that i attended, included the same number of male therapists, as female... the workshop was also conducted by a male therapist... if we enter the space to provide massage&bodywork ... Read Moreas therapists, first&foremost, acting from "source" consciousness & intent, without the illusory "separateness" concepts of he/she, us/them, etc., that we carry in our heads, much more space opens to allow clients & therapists to be with & "drop into the body" & reconcile with the events&conditions that we are experiencing in our bodies, thereby facilitating healing & improved function... consciousness & intent, informs->energy, informs->matter...

Athletic men are more in tune with their bodies and understand the awesome advantage regular massage can have on muscular recovery from strenuous exercise. This doesn't have to be sold technically as "sports massage" but rather as overall conditioning, cellulite and stress reduction. What guy isn't overstressed & carrying around extra cellulite these days? You've got to give men a goal or tangible reason other than relaxation for spending 1 hour a week to lay on a table.

#6 I probably spend 15-25% of my work hours on my massage clients. The rest of it is devoted to my consulting business - writing articles, developing classes, and eorking with clients. #8 Can't remember my tallest client ever but I did try to convince a very well know basketball player who went to UNC and later Chicago to let me give him a massage when he was in town for a BB clinic. Would have needed a table and a half for that one!

no cutters for me. people return to see you if youre good but you have to mix it up a bit to keep the excitment and every session there are usally something they need a little different. Give not only what they want but what they need as well

me, me, me,!

I love my job, not just helping my own massage clients but also helping other therapists through training and education. My boss is the client who is paying me whether they are coming to me for massage or hiring me as a secret shopper to evaluate their staff members. However, I am the one who creates my own future and destiny.

Yes, I love my job, very rewarding. I run my business, but the public is my boss, so I have many bosses. I go the extra mile with everything I do for them. Find your thing that sets you apart, and sad to say its not hard, cause I find so many therapist that wont do things that cause them inconveinence swo needless to say they dont stay in the game long.

Very good article. And since I am still in school, it's nice to think about these things now. Although I have marketing material, I need to find the jargon to really sell myself.

I heard there was some computer scam with the cash for clunkers program,i.e. beware of loading info online if a dealer tells you to. If the dealer's not up with the program they can send your car back to you!

I agree with Jim, once you have them on the chair most will want more..

Loved the article!